July 2018

Each fall, the INBA names an Illinoisan of the Year, someone who has made a significant contribution to Illinois, its citizens, the news profession and public information. INBA Past Presidents make the nominations and then cast votes.

The Board of Directors of the INBA met on Saturday, July 14 at Illinois State University in Normal.
Highlights included a proposal to revise the organization’s by-laws, to officially create an Executive Committee. This group would have the power to act on the full board’s behalf for decisions that must be made quickly and without financial expenditure. An example would be signing on to an amicus brief in a legal matter regarding a journalism case. The revision will go before the General Membership during the General Business Meeting on September 15 in Springfield.

This week we celebrate Independence Day in the United States, mostly by donning American flag clothing, horking down hot dogs and comforting our pets as the fireworks pop.

Because the holiday lands exactly in the middle of the week this year, I’m expecting news to be slow on the other weekdays and setting aside some time for long-term planning. Maybe you are, too. In that case, here are three ideas to consider.

Why join INBA?

INBA played a huge part in preparing me for my broadcasting career. The INBA conventions connect students with on air talent and news directors who give feedback on now to improve your work. Through relationships I made at those conventions I was able to obtain my first on air reporting job.